The Way of the WiseSample

Day 23: Pursuing Wisely:

Today’s message is about appetite—what you crave, what you chase, and whether it’s leading you toward God or away from Him.

Have you ever shared advice with someone only to watch them completely disregard it? Proverbs 23 teaches that wisdom isn't just about what we know—it’s about where and how we invest it. Proverbs 23:9 (GNT) warns: "Don’t try to talk sense to a fool; he can’t appreciate it."

God entrusts us with wisdom so that we can steward it well. That means discerning when to share and when to stay silent. Some hearts are ready to receive truth and grow, while others mock or trample what is precious. Choosing wisely where to plant seeds of wisdom honors both the gift and the Giver.

Proverbs 23 also challenges us in what we desire most. It’s easy to get caught up in longing for the success, wealth, or pleasures we see others enjoying, but Scripture calls us to redirect our cravings toward what truly matters. Proverbs 23:17–18 (GNT) says: "Don’t be envious of sinful people; let reverence for the LORD be the concern of your life. If it is, you have a bright future."

The craving itself isn't wrong—God created us to long for more. But when our desires fixate on the temporary instead of the eternal, we chase things that leave us empty. Setting our sights on reverence for God secures a future filled with hope, not disappointment.

At the core of Proverbs 23 is an invitation to treasure truth more than anything else. Proverbs 23:23 (NIV) urges: "Buy the truth and do not sell it—wisdom, instruction and insight as well."

Truth is not something to casually acquire or easily give up. It is the foundation for living wisely and finishing strong. When we cherish God’s truth—protecting it, living it, and passing it on—it shapes everything about who we become and what we leave behind.

Proverbs 23 reminds us that wisdom is not just about knowing better—it’s about pursuing better: choosing where to invest, choosing what to desire, and choosing to hold onto what is true no matter what comes.